Bicycle control device

ABSTRACT

A bicycle control device includes a base member, an operating member and a force sensor. The operating member is movably mounted relative to the base member from a rest position along an operating path. The force sensor is operated by physical contact by movement of the operating member along the operating path. The force sensor is configured to output at least one control signal based upon an operation force of the operating member acting on the force sensor.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a bicycle control device. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle control devicethat outputs an electrical control signal for controlling an electricaldevice.

2. Background Information

Recently, electrical bicycle control devices have been used foroperating bicycle shifting device. Three examples of electrical shiftcontrol devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,730, U.S. Pat. No.6,129,580 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,078 (all assigned to Shimano, Inc.).These patents disclose one or more electrical switches that are coupledto the bracket body. Another example of this type of electrical shiftcontrol device is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2005/0223840 (assigned to Shimano, Inc.). In this publication, anelectrical switch is mounted to the brake lever.

SUMMARY

Generally, the present disclosure is directed to various features of abicycle control device that outputs an electrical control signal forcontrolling an electrical device. In one feature, a bicycle controldevice is provided such that at least one control signal is outputtedbased upon an operation force of the operating member acting on theforce sensor.

In view of the state of the known technology, a bicycle control deviceaccording to a first aspect is provided that basically comprises a basemember, an operating member and a force sensor. The operating member ismovably mounted relative to the base member from a rest position alongan operating path. The force sensor is operated by physical contact bymovement of the operating member along the operating path. The forcesensor is configured to output at least one control signal based upon anoperation force of the operating member acting on the force sensor.

Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicyclecontrol device will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with theannexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the bicycle controldevice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle equipped with a pair ofbicycle control (brake/shift) devices (only one shown) coupled to a droptype handlebar in accordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the constituent components of agear change control system that includes the bicycle control devicesillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a center cross sectional view of the bicycle control deviceillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial rear perspective view of the brake leverand first and second operating members of the right bicycle controldevice illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, with two force sensors and twoswitching members mounted to a rear side of the brake lever;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the bicycle control device with thefirst and second operating members both being located in a rest position(non-operated position) in which switching members associated with thefirst and second operating members are not depressed (i.e., notoperated);

FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the bicycle control device with thefirst operating member moved to a switching position in which theswitching member associated with the first operating member isdepressed;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged rear elevational view of a portion of the brakelever illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, with the first operating membermoved to a first detecting position resulting in an application of afirst prescribed force on the force sensor associated with the firstoperating member such that the force sensor associated with the firstoperating member outputs a first signal;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged rear elevational view of a portion of the brakelever illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, with the first operating membermoved to a second detecting position resulting in an application of asecond prescribed force on the force sensor associated with the firstoperating member such that the force sensor associated with the firstoperating member outputs a second signal;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the bicycle control deviceillustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, with a lower portion the first operatingmember broken away to better illustrate the second operating member, andshowing the first and second operating members both being located in arest position (non-operated position) in which the switching membersassociated with the first and second operating members are notdepressed;

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the bicycle control deviceillustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9, with a lower portion the firstoperating member broken away to better illustrate the second operatingmember, and showing the second operating member moved to a switchingposition in which the switching member associated with the secondoperating member is depressed;

FIG. 11 is a rear elevational view of the bicycle control deviceillustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, 9 and 10, with a lower portion the firstoperating member broken away to better illustrate the second operatingmember, and showing the second operating member moved to a firstdetecting position resulting in an application of a first prescribedforce on the force sensor associated with the second operating membersuch that the force sensor associated with the second operating memberoutputs a first signal;

FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view of the bicycle control deviceillustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9 to 11, with a lower portion the firstoperating member broken away to better illustrate the second operatingmember, and showing the second operating member moved to a seconddetecting position resulting in an application of a second prescribedforce on the force sensor associated with the second operating membersuch that the force sensor associated with the second operating memberoutputs a second signal; and

FIG. 13 is an enlarged, partial rear perspective view of a brake leverhaving first and second operating members mounted a rear side of thebrake lever and further having two force sensors and a single switchingmember mounted to the brake lever in accordance with another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to thedrawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments areprovided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting theinvention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a bicycle 10 is illustrated with apair of bicycle control devices 12 and 14 mounted in a drop type bicyclehandlebar 15 (FIG. 1) in accordance with one embodiment. The controldevice 12 is operatively coupled to an electric rear derailleur 16 and arear braking device 17, while the control device 14 is operativelycoupled to an electric front derailleur 18 and a front braking device19. The control devices 12 and 14 are identical in construction andoperation, except that they are mirror images. Thus, only the controldevice 12 will be discussed and illustrated in detail herein. Here, inthe following description, front and rear, left and right, and up anddown signify the front and rear, left and right, and up and down asviewed by the user in a state where the user is seated on a saddlefacing the handlebar 15.

Preferably, a cycle computer 20 is operatively coupled between thecontrol devices 12 and 14 and the rear and front derailleurs 16 and 18.Alternatively, the cycle computer 20 can be eliminated such that thecontrol devices 12 and 14 are directly electrically coupled to the rearand front derailleurs 16 and 18. In such a case, each of the controldevices 12 and 14 includes its own built in cycle computer forprocessing signals from control devices 12 and 14.

As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bicycle control device 12 basicallycomprises a lever bracket or base member 28, a grip cover 30, a brakelever 32, a first shift operating lever 34 (hereinafter “first operatingmember 34”) and a second shift operating lever 36 (hereinafter “secondoperating member 36”). The brake lever 32 is pivotally coupled to thebase member 28 about a brake operating axis P1 along a brake operatingplane to perform a braking operation. The first and second operatingmembers 34 and 36 are pivotally coupled to the brake lever 32 about apivot axis P2. The brake lever 32 is shown in full lines to illustrate arest position, and shown in dashed lines to illustrate a brakingposition. In this embodiment, for example the first operating member 34corresponds to the operating member of claims, and the second operatingmember 36 corresponds to the additional operating member of claims.

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base member 28 is configured as a riderhand grip part that also constitutes a drop handlebar bracket body.Typically, the base member 28 is made of a rigid, hard material such asa hard rigid plastic material. The grip cover 30 is stretched over atleast the gripping portion of the base member 28 to provide a cushion tothe gripping portion of the base member 28 and to provide an attractiveappearance. Typically, the grip cover 30 is made of elastic materialsuch as rubber. The base member 28 is mounted to the drop type handlebar15 by a conventional tube clamp 38 that is attached to the rear end ofthe base member 28. The tube clamp 38 constitutes a handlebar mountingstructure for mounting to the drop type handlebar 15. The second end ofthe base member 28 pivotally supports the brake lever 32 by a pivot pin40.

Preferably, the brake lever 32 is a cable operating brake lever that ispivotally mounted to the base member 28 for performing a bicycle brakingoperation as illustrated in FIG. 2. In other words, the brake lever 32is attached to a brake cable 42 (e.g., a Bowden cable as shown) tooperate the braking device 17. A return spring 44 is operatively coupledbetween the brake lever 32 and the base member 28 to bias the brakelever 32 to a rest position. The return spring 44 is preferably a coiltension spring that is elongated when the brake lever 32 is moved fromthe rest position to the braking position. The term “rest position” asused herein refers to a state in which the part (e.g., the brake lever32, the first operating member 34 and the second operating member 36)remains stationary without the need of a user holding the part in thatstate corresponding to the rest position.

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, in this embodiment, the first and secondoperating members 34 and 36 are levers that are pivotally attached tothe back side of the brake lever 32 by a fastener 46. In other words,the first and second operating members 34 and 36 are movably mountedrelative to the base member 28 along operating paths or planes. In thefirst illustrated embodiment, the operating paths of the first andsecond operating members 34 and 36 are perpendicular to the brakeoperating plane of the brake lever 32. In the first illustratedembodiment, the first and second operating members 34 and 36 areindependently operated relative to the brake lever 32. In other words,when the first operating member 34 is pivoted, the second operatingmember 36 remains in a stationary position (rest position). Likewise,when the second operating member 36 is pivoted, the first operatingmember 34 remains in a stationary position (rest position). Of course,other configurations of the first and second operating members 34 and 36are possible with some modifications as will be apparent from thisdisclosure. For example, as described in another embodiment below, thefirst and second operating members 34 and 36 could be arranged such thatthe first and second operating members 34 and 36 move together withrespect to the base member 28 and the brake lever 32 as the secondoperating member 36 is moved, and the second operating member 36 remainsstationary as the first operating member 34 is moved with respect to thebase member 28 and the brake lever 32. In other words, in thisalternative configuration, when the first operating member 34 isoperated, only the first operating member 34 pivots with respect to thebase member 28 and the brake lever 32. Of course, a constructionachieving opposite movements of first and second operating members withrespect to this movements can be selected as needed and/or desired.

Each of the first and second operating members 34 and 36 can shift agear changing device (e.g., the electric derailleurs 16 and 18) of abicycle transmission by one or two steps (shift positions) depending onits stroke length (i.e., the amount of angular movement). The first andsecond operating members 34 and 36 can be provided with first and secondclicking mechanisms (not shown), respectively, for haptically notifyingthe rider of the boundary between a one-step shift operation positionand a two-step shift operation position for preventing unintentionaltwo-step shift.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2, an electrical cable 48 electricallyconnects the control device 12 to a signal controller 50. Similarly, theelectrical cable 52 electrically connects the control device 14 to thesignal controller 50. The electrical cables 48 and 52 each includes atleast one power line V, at least one ground line GND, and at least oneshift signal line POS. The signal controller 50 is provided forcommunicating shift input signals from the control devices 12 and 14 tothe rear and front derailleurs 16 and 18 (i.e., shifting devices). Thesignal controller 50 can be merely a junction box that directlytransmits the shift input signals from the control devices 12 and 14 tothe rear and front derailleurs 16 and 18.

Alternatively, the signal controller 50 can include a microcomputer thatprovides data to and/or from the rear and front derailleurs 16 and 18and the cycle computer 20 as shown in FIG. 2. For example, signal linesPOS are provided between the signal controller 50 and the rear and frontderailleurs 16 and 18 and between the signal controller 50 and the cyclecomputer 20. In this way, the microcomputer of the signal controller 50receives and/or transmits data for controlling and or setting up therear and front derailleurs 16 and 18. Thus, the microcomputer of thesignal controller 50 can include various calibrating programs forcalibrating the rear and front derailleurs 16 and 18 as well as controlprograms for manually or automatically shifting the rear and frontderailleurs 16 and 18. In other words, in addition to manual shiftingwith the control devices 12 and 14, the microcomputer of the signalcontroller 50 can be configured to automatically produce shift signalsbased on the operating conditions of the bicycle using an automaticshifting program.

As seen in FIG. 2, the electric rear derailleur 16 constitutes a rearshifting device that includes a rear control unit 16 a (RD controller),a motor drive unit 16 b, a position sensor 16 d and a motor 16 e. Therear control unit 16 a is configured and arranged to control the motordrive unit 16 b in response to a shift control signal from the controldevice 12. The motor 16 e is configured and arranged to drive the rearshifting device 16. The motor drive unit 16 b is configured and arrangedto drive the motor 16 e. The position sensor 16 d is configured andarranged to sense the gearshift position of the rear derailleur 16.

As seen in FIG. 2, the electric front derailleur 18 constitutes a frontshifting device that includes a front control unit 18 a (FD controller),a motor drive unit 18 b, a position sensor 18 d and a motor 18 e. Thefront control unit 18 a is configured and arranged to control the motordrive unit 18 b in response to a shift control signal from the controldevice 14. The motor 18 e is configured and arranged to drive the frontderailleur 18. The motor drive unit 18 b is configured and arranged todrive the motor 18 e. The position sensor 18 d is configured andarranged to sense the gearshift position of the front derailleur 18.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the gearshift position signals POS of therear and front position sensors 16 c and 18 c are output to the signalcontroller 50. In the signal controller 50, these signals are convertedinto display signals so that the gearshift positions of the rear andfront derailleurs 16 and 18 are displayed by the display of the cyclecomputer 20.

In the first illustrated embodiment, the signal controller 50 has a pairof plug-in type electrical connectors that receives mating electricalconnectors of the electrical cables 48 and 52. Preferably, the signalcontroller 50 also has at least one plug-in type electrical connectorthat receives one or more electrical connectors of a wiring harness 54.The wiring harness 54 includes a plurality of electrical conductors forelectrically connecting the rear and front derailleurs 16 and 18, thecycle computer 20 and an electrical power supply 56. The electricalpower supply 56 is a source power such as a generator (e.g., a hubdynamo), and/or a battery which can be located in a portion of a frametube such as the seat tube of the bicycle 10. The control devices 12 and14 and the rear and front derailleurs 16 and 18 receive electrical powerfrom the electrical power supply 56 via the signal controller 50.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, in the first illustrated embodiment, thecontrol device 12 is provided with a first force sensor 61 that detectsoperation of the first operating member 34 as the first operating member34 moves along its operating path relative to the base member 28. Inparticular, the first force sensor 61 is operated by physical contact bymovement of the first operating member 34 along the operating path. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the first force sensor 61 is mounted on therear surface of the brake lever 32 to be operated by the movement of thefirst operating member 34. The first force sensor 61 is configured tooutput at least one control signal based upon an operation force of thefirst operating member 34 acting on the first force sensor 61.Preferably, the first force sensor 61 outputs a first signal upon theoperation force of the first operating member 34 reaching a firstprescribed force, and outputs a second signal upon the operation forceof the first operating member 34 reaching a second prescribed force thatis greater than the first prescribed force.

Preferably, the control device 12 is further provided with a secondforce sensor 62 that detects operation of the operation of the secondoperating member 36 as the second operating member 36 moves along itsoperating path relative to the base member 28. The second force sensor62 is operated by physical contact by movement of the second operatingmember 36 along the operating path of the second operating member 36. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the second force sensor 62 is mounted on therear surface of the brake lever 32 to be operated by the movement of thesecond operating member 36. Similar to the first force sensor 61, thesecond force sensor 62 is configured to output at least one controlsignal based upon an operation force of the second operating member 36acting on the second force sensor 62. Preferably, the second forcesensor 62 also outputs a first signal upon the operation force of thesecond operating member 36 reaching a first prescribed force, andoutputs a second signal upon the operation force of the second operatingmember 36 reaching a second prescribed force that is greater than thefirst prescribed force.

In this embodiment, for example, the first force sensor 61 correspondsto the force sensor of claims, and the second force sensor 62corresponds to the additional force sensor of claims.

As seen in FIG. 4, in the first illustrated embodiment, the first andsecond operating members 34 and 36 are trigger type of levers that arebiased to their rest positions. In particular, a first return spring 64is provided between the brake lever 32 and the first operating member34, while a second return spring 66 is provided between the brake lever32 and the second operating member 36. The first operating member 34stops at the rest position by contacting the side wall of the brakelever 32 due to a spring force from the first return spring 64. Thesecond operating member 36 stops at the rest position by contacting theside wall of the brake lever 32 to another spring force from the secondreturn spring 66.

In this first illustrated embodiment, the first force sensor 61 isarranged to receive a compressive force from the first return spring 64as the operation force of the first operating member 34. The firstreturn spring 64 constitutes a biasing element biases the firstoperating member 34 towards the rest position. In particular, the firstreturn spring 64 is arranged between the first operating member 34 andthe first force sensor 61 to bias the first operating member 34 to arest position and apply a compressive force to the first force sensor 61as the operation force of the first operating member 34.

Likewise, the second force sensor 62 is arranged to receive acompressive force from the second return spring 66 as the operationforce of the second operating member 36. The second return spring 66constitutes a biasing element biases the second operating member 36towards the rest position. In particular, the second return spring 66 isarranged between the second operating member 36 and the second forcesensor 62 to bias the second operating member 36 to a rest position andapply a compressive force to the second force sensor 62 as the operationforce of the second operating member 36.

Generally speaking, the first force sensor 61 is operatively arrangedwith respect to the first operating member 34 to detect movement of thefirst operating member 34 with respect to the base member 28. Morespecifically, the first force sensor 61 detects a first movement amountof the first operating member 34 from the rest position upon the useroperation force reaching a first prescribed force, which corresponds toa first detecting position based on a first compressive force applied tothe first force sensor 61 by the first return spring 64. Also the firstforce sensor 61 detects a second movement amount of the first operatingmember 34 from the rest position upon the user operation force reachinga first prescribed force, which corresponds to a second detectingposition based on a second compressive force applied to the first forcesensor 61 by the first return spring 64. The second compressive force isgreater than the first compressive force. Thus, the second detectingposition is farther from the rest position than the first detectingposition. The first force sensor 61 output the first and second signals,respectively, as one of an upshift signal to perform an upshift movementin a shifting device and a downshift signal to perform a downshiftmovement in the shifting device.

Generally speaking, the second force sensor 62 is operatively arrangedwith respect to the second operating member 36 to detect movement of thesecond operating member 36 with respect to the base member 28. Morespecifically, the second force sensor 62 detects a first movement amountof the second operating member 36 from the rest position upon the useroperation force reaching a first prescribed force, which corresponds toa first detecting position based on a first compressive force applied tothe second force sensor 62 by the second return spring 66. Also thesecond force sensor 62 detects a second movement amount of the secondoperating member 36 from the rest position upon the user operation forcereaching a first prescribed force, which corresponds to a seconddetecting position based on a second compressive force applied to thesecond force sensor 62 by the second return spring 66. The secondcompressive force is greater than the first compressive force. Thus, thesecond detecting position is farther from the rest position than thefirst detecting position. The second force sensor 62 output the firstand second signals, respectively, as one of an upshift signal to performan upshift movement in a shifting device and a downshift signal toperform a downshift movement in the shifting device.

Optionally, a first switching member SW1 is provided in the power line Vthat transmits electrical power to the first force sensor 61. Likewise,optionally, a second switching member SW2 is provided in the power lineV that transmits electrical power to the second force sensor 62. Whilethe brake lever 32 of the bicycle control device 12 includes the firstand second switching members SW1 and SW2, the first and second switchingmembers SW1 and SW2 can be omitted in this embodiment. In other words,the power lines V can be always supplying power to the first and secondforce sensors 61 and 62. Since the first and second force sensors 61 and62 are physically contacted by the first and second return springs 64and 66, respectively. The first and second force sensors 61 and 62 canremain in a power-off state until the user operation force reaches thefirst prescribed force or a force below the first prescribed force.

In other words, the first switching member SW1 is electrically connectedto the first force sensor 61 so that the first force sensor 61 isswitched from a power-off state to a power-on state in response tooperation of the first operating member 34. Similarly, the secondswitching member SW2 is electrically connected to the second forcesensor 62 so that the second force sensor 62 is switched from apower-off state to a power-on state in response to operation of thesecond operating member 36. In this embodiment, for example, the firstswitching member SW1 corresponds to the switching member of claims. Thesecond switching member SW2 constitutes additional switching member withrespect to the first switching member SW1.

The first and second switching members SW1 and SW2 are preferably presstype contact switches that are normally open (i.e. no power beingtransmitted therethrough). In other words, the first and secondswitching members SW1 and SW2 are operated by physical contact bymovement of the first and second operating members 34 and 36,respectively. As the first switching member SW1 is pushed by thephysical contact with the first operating member 34, the first switchingmember SW1 output a power-on signal for switching the first force sensor61 from the power-off state to the power-on state. The first switchingmember SW1 continuously outputs the power-on signal while the firstswitching member SW1 is pushed by the physical contact. Likewise, as thesecond switching member SW2 is pushed by the physical contact with thesecond operating member 36, the second switching member SW2 output apower-on signal for switching the second force sensor 62 from thepower-off state to the power-on state. The second switching member SW2continuously outputs the power-on signal while the first and secondswitching member SW2 is pushed by the physical contact. In the firstillustrated embodiment, the power-on signals are merely current beingsupplied directly to the first and second force sensors 61 and 62 fromthe first and second switching members SW1 and SW2, respectively.However, the power-on signals are not limited to current being supplieddirectly to the first and second force sensors 61 and 62. For example,the power-on signals could be a command signal such that another switchis turn on to supply power through a different electrical path than viathe first and second switching members SW1 and SW2, respectively. In anycase, the first and second force sensors 61 and 62 are switched from thepower-off state to the power-on state while the corresponding one thefirst and second switching members SW1 and SW2 outputs the power-onsignal. However, other types of switch can be used as needed and/ordesired.

Basically, the first and second switching members SW1 and SW2 areprovided for the purpose of conserving electrical power. When activated,depending on the first and second force sensors 61 and 62 constantlyconsume a certain amount of power in order to be ready to detectmovement of the first and second operating members 34 and 36. Hence, ifpower is supplied to the first and second force sensors 61 and 62, thenthe first and second force sensors 61 and 62 are constantly monitoringthe positions of the first and second operating members 34 and 36,respectively, which results in a certain amount of power consumption. Onthe hand, the first and second switching members SW1 and SW2 do notconsume any electrical power while the first and second operatingmembers 34 and 36 are in their rest positions. With the first and secondoperating members 34 and 36 are in their rest positions, no power issupplied to the first and second force sensors 61 and 62 because thefirst and second switching members SW1 and SW2 are each in an openstate.

As seen in FIG. 2, the control device 14 has the same construction asthe control device 12, except that the control device 14 is a mirrorimage of the control device 12. Thus, the control device 14 is providedwith first and second force sensors 61A and 62A, which are identical tothe first and second force sensors 61 and 62. Also the control device 14is provided with third and fourth switching members SW3 and SW4 withinthe electrical cable 52 for switching the first and second force sensors61A and 62A from a power-off state to a power-on state in response tooperation of corresponding one of the operating members of the controldevice 14.

Referring back to FIG. 4, in the first illustrated embodiment, the firstand second force sensors 61 and 62 are electrically wired to theelectric rear derailleur 16 and the cycle computer 20 via the signalcontroller 50. However, the control device 12 could be provided with awireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the signalcontroller 50 or directly communicates with the electric rear derailleur16 and the cycle computer 20 in a wireless manner. In any case, theoperation signals from the first and second force sensors 61 and 62,which are indicative of the first and second operating members 34 and 36being moved from their rest positions to one of their operatedpositions, are communicated either directly or indirectly to theelectric rear derailleur 16.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, in the first illustrated embodiment, asthe first operating member 34 is operated (i.e., pivoted by an amountA1) from the rest position (FIG. 5) to a switching position (FIG. 6),the first switching member SW1 is depressed so that the first forcesensor 61 is activated (i.e., receives power). In other words, the firstswitching member SW1 switches the first force sensor 61 from thepower-off state to the power-on state as the first operating member 34reaches the switching position from the rest position along theoperating path of the first operating member 34.

Then, as seen in FIG. 7, as the first operating member 34 is operatedfarther (i.e., pivoted by an amount A2 from the rest position) past theswitching position, the first return spring 64 applies a firstcompressive force applied to the first force sensor 61. Upon detectingthe first compressive force being applied to the first force sensor 61,a first signal is outputted from the first force sensor 61.

Then, as seen in FIG. 8, as the first operating member 34 is operatedeven farther (i.e., pivoted by an amount A3 from the rest position) pastthe first detecting position, the first return spring 64 applies asecond compressive force applied to the first force sensor 61. Upondetecting the second compressive force being applied to the first forcesensor 61, a second signal is outputted from the first force sensor 61.In other words, the first force sensor 61 determines that thecompressive force of the first return spring 64 has reached the secondprescribed force, which is higher than the first prescribed forcecorresponding to the first compressive force, to confirm that the firstoperating member 34 has reached the second detecting position that islocated further from the rest position than the first detectingposition.

Accordingly, the first force sensor 61 is activated as the firstoperating member 34 reaches the switching position, outputs the firstsignal as the first operating member 34 reaches the first detectingposition, and then outputs the second signal as the first operatingmember 34 reaches the second detecting position which is located furtherfrom the rest position than the first detecting position. The firstsignal can be one of an upshift signal to perform an upshift movement inthe rear derailleur 16 and a downshift signal to perform a downshiftmovement in the rear derailleur 16. Also the second signal can be theone of the upshift signal and downshift signal. Alternatively, the firstsignal can be one of the upshift and downshift signals and the secondsignal can be the other of the upshift and downshift signals.

As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, as the second operating member 36 is operated(i.e., pivoted by an amount B1) from the rest position (FIG. 9) to answitching position (FIG. 10), the second switching member SW2 isdepressed so that the second force sensor 62 is activated (i.e.,receives power). In other words, the second switching member SW2switches the second force sensor 62 from the power-off state to thepower-on state as the second operating member 36 reaches the switchingposition from a rest position along the operating path of the secondoperating member 36.

Then, as seen in FIG. 11, as the second operating member 36 is operatedfarther (i.e., pivoted by an amount B2 from the rest position) past theswitching position, the second return spring 66 applies a firstcompressive force applied to the second force sensor 62. Upon detectingthe first compressive force being applied to the second force sensor 62,a first signal is outputted from the second force sensor 62.

Then, as seen in FIG. 12, as the second operating member 36 is operatedeven farther (i.e., pivoted by an amount B3 from the rest position) pastthe first detecting position, the second return spring 66 applies asecond compressive force applied to the second force sensor 62. Upondetecting the first compressive force being applied to the second forcesensor 62, a second signal is outputted from the second force sensor 62.In other words, the second force sensor 62 determines that thecompressive force of the second return spring 66 has reached the secondprescribed force, which is higher than the first prescribed forcecorresponding to the first compressive force, to confirm that the secondoperating member 36 has reached the second detecting position that islocated further from the rest position than the first detecting positionfor outputting the first signal.

Accordingly, the second force sensor 62 outputs the first signal as thesecond operating member 36 reaches the first detecting position, andthen outputs the second signal as the second operating member 36 reachesthe second detecting position which is located further from the restposition than the first detecting position. The first signal can be oneof an upshift signal to perform an upshift movement in the rearderailleur 16 and a downshift signal to perform a downshift movement inthe rear derailleur 16. Also the second signal can be the one of theupshift signal and downshift signal. Alternatively, the first signal canbe one of the upshift and downshift signals and the second signal can bethe other of the upshift and downshift signals.

Basically, in the first embodiment, each of the first and secondoperating members 34 and 36 is designed to be selectively moved by afirst amount of angular movement (i.e., a first stroke), whichcompresses the corresponding one of the first and second return springs64 and 66, which in turn causes the corresponding one of the first andsecond force sensors 61 and 62 to perform a first shift operation byoutputting the first signal, as discussed above. Also each of the firstand second operating members 34 and 36 is designed to be selectivelymoved by a second amount of angular movement (i.e., a second stroke),which compresses the corresponding one of the first and second returnsprings 64 and 66, which in turn causes the corresponding one of thefirst and second force sensors 61 and 62 to perform a second shiftoperation by outputting the second signal, as discussed above. In thisway, each of the first and second operating members 34 and 36 performstwo successive shift operations during a single progressive stroke fromthe rest position to the second detecting position.

As mentioned above, when the first and second operating members 34 and36 are pivoted, the brake lever 32 is normally stationary. Thus,generally speaking in the first embodiment, the first and secondoperating members 34 and 36 are each movably mounted with respect to thebase member 28 to move between the rest position, the switchingposition, the first detecting position and the second detectingposition. The switching position, the first detecting position and thesecond detecting position are sequentially reached in this order as thefirst and second operating members 34 and 36 are operated in a singleprogressive stroke from their rest positions.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a portion of a bicycle control device 112 willnow be discussed in accordance with a second embodiment. Basically, thebicycle control device 112 is identical to the bicycle control device12, discussed above, except that (1) the second switching member SW2 hasbeen removed, (2) an abutment 36 a has been added to the secondoperating member 36, and (3) the first and second force sensors 61 and62 both have their power lines V passing through the first switchingmember SW1. In view of the similarity between the first and secondembodiments, the parts of the second embodiment that are basicallyidentical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the samereference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, thedescriptions of the parts of the second embodiment that are identical tothe parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake ofbrevity.

Thus, in this second embodiment, the switching member SW1 is used forsimultaneously switching both of the first and second force sensors 61and 62 from the power-off state to the power-on state. In particular,the switching member SW1 is mounted to the rear side of the brake lever32 at a position along the operating path of the first operating member34. By adding the abutment 36 a to the second operating member 36, theabutment 36 a will contact the first operating member 34 so that thefirst and second operating members 34 and 36 will move together withrespect to the base member 28 and the brake lever 32 as the secondoperating member 36 is operated. In this way, the switching member SW1will be depressed by the first operating member 34 as the secondoperating member 36 is operated.

However, like the first embodiment, the second operating member 36remains stationary as the first operating member 34 is moved withrespect to the base member 28 and the brake lever 32. In other words, inthis second embodiment, when the first operating member 34 is operated,only the first operating member 34 pivots with respect to the basemember 28 and the brake lever 32. In this way, the switching member SW1will be depressed by the first operating member 34 as the firstoperating member 34 is operated.

Thus, as the first operating member 34 is operated from the restposition against the biasing force of the first return spring 64 to theswitching position (i.e., pivoted by the amount A1) as seen in FIG. 6,the plunger of the switching member SW1 is depressed by the firstoperating member 34 to supply power to both of the first and secondforce sensors 61 and 62. Likewise, as the second operating member 36 isoperated from the rest position against the biasing force of the secondreturn spring 66 to the same switching position (i.e., pivoted by theamount A1), the plunger of the switching member SW1 is again depressedby the first operating member 34 to supply power to both of the firstand second force sensors 61 and 62. Thus, in this second embodiment, theswitching position will be the same for both the first and secondoperating members 34 and 36.

In this second embodiment, even though both of the return springs 64 and66 are compressed and apply operation forces on both the first andsecond force sensors 61 and 62 as the second operating member 36 isoperated, which causes the first operating member 34 to move therewith,only the signals from the second force sensor 62 will be acted upon(processed) to perform shifting operations.

In particular, the first operating member 34 is pivoted by theprescribed amounts A2 and A3 (FIGS. 7 and 8) to reach the first andsecond prescribed forces for outputting the first and second signalsfrom the first force sensor 61. On the other hand, the second operatingmember 36 is pivoted by the prescribed amounts B2 and B3 (FIGS. 11 and12) to reach the first and second prescribed forces for outputting thefirst and second signals from the second force sensor 62. Accordingly,the first and second operating members 34 and 36 are moved differentdistances to output the first and second signals from the first andsecond force sensors 61 and 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstsignal from the second force sensor 62 is outputted first because theprescribed amount B2 is smaller than the prescribed amount A2.Accordingly, in this second embodiment of FIG. 13, the signal controller50 will know to disregard the signals from the first force sensor 61when the first signal is first received from the second force sensor 62before the first signal is received from the first force sensor 61. As aresult, based on the sequence of the signals outputted by the first andsecond force sensors 61 and 62, the signal controller 50 will know inthis second embodiment of FIG. 13 that the second operating member 36 isoperated even though the return spring 64 apples on an operation forceon the first force sensor 61 the first operating member 34 as the secondoperating member 36 is operated by the amount B3 so as to output asecond signal.

Alternatively, the switching member SW1 can be arranged in other ways soas to be activated by the operation of both of the first and secondoperating members 34 and 36. For example, the plunger of the switchingmember SW1 can be arranged such that the first and second operatingmembers 34 and 36 each directly contacts the plunger of the switchingmember SW1 as the first and second operating members 34 and 36 areindividually moved.

As in the first and second embodiments, for this second embodiment, thefirst signal can be one of an upshift signal to perform an upshiftmovement of a shifting device and a downshift signal to perform adownshift movement of a shifting device. Also the second signal can bethe one of the upshift signal and downshift signal. Alternatively, forthis second embodiment, the first signal can be one of the upshift anddownshift signals and the second signal can be the other of the upshiftand downshift signals.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the switchingmembers SW1 and SW2 are not required elements of the bicycle controldevice. Rather, a bicycle control device can be constructed within thescope of the present invention that does not comprise any switchingmembers. In the first and second embodiments explained above, theconstructions that the force the first and second force sensors 61 and62 output the first and second signals in accordance with the operationof the first and second operating members 34 and 36 respectively areexplained. However, the number of signals is not limited to the firstand second embodiments above explained. Rather, a bicycle control devicecan be constructed in which the force sensor outputs more than twosignal can be achieved form from the present invention. Further,although the constructions of the first and second force sensors 61 and62 are explained above in the first and second embodiments as detectinga compressive force, the present invention is not limited to suchconstructions. For example, a bicycle control device can be constructedwithin the scope of the present invention which uses one or more forcesensors that detect a tensioning force (pulling force). In thisconstruction, the force sensor(s) is provided on the operating memberand the biasing element connects the force sensor and the brake levertogether.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. Also it will be understood that although theterms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe variouscomponents these components should not be limited by these terms. Theseterms “first” and “second” are only used to distinguish one componentfrom another. Thus, for example, a first component discussed above couldbe termed a second component and vice-a-versa without departing from theteachings of the present invention. Finally, terms of degree such as“substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean anamount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is notsignificantly changed, e.g., manufacturing tolerances.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location ororientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/ordesired so long as they do not substantially their intended function.Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each othercan have intermediate structures disposed between them unlessspecifically stated otherwise. The functions of one element can beperformed by two, and vice versa unless specifically stated otherwise.The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in anotherembodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in aparticular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is uniquefrom the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, alsoshould be considered a separate description of further inventions by theapplicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodiedby such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodimentsaccording to the present invention are provided for illustration only,and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle control device comprising: a basemember; an operating member movably mounted relative to the base memberfrom a rest position along an operating path; and a force sensor beingoperated by physical contact by movement of the operating member alongthe operating path, the force sensor being configured to output at leastone control signal based upon an operation force of the operating memberacting on the force sensor.
 2. The bicycle control device according toclaim 1, wherein the force sensor is arranged to receive a compressiveforce as the operation force of the operating member.
 3. The bicyclecontrol device according to claim 1, further comprising a biasingelement biasing the operating member towards the rest position.
 4. Thebicycle control device according to claim 3, wherein the biasing elementis arranged between the operating member and the force sensor such thatthe biasing element applies a compressive force as the operation forceof the operating member.
 5. The bicycle control device according toclaim 1, further comprising a brake lever pivotally connected relativeto the base member about a brake operating axis along a brake operatingplane to perform a braking operation.
 6. The bicycle control deviceaccording to claim 5, wherein the operating member is movably mounted onthe brake lever.
 7. The bicycle control device according to claim 5,wherein the operating member is pivotally mounted on the brake lever. 8.The bicycle control device according to claim 5, wherein the forcesensor is mounted on the brake lever.
 9. The bicycle control deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the force sensor outputs a first signalupon the operation force of the operating member reaching a firstprescribed force.
 10. The bicycle control device according to claim 9,wherein the force sensor outputs a second signal upon the operationforce of the operating member reaching a second prescribed force that isgreater than the first prescribed force.
 11. The bicycle control deviceaccording to claim 10, wherein the force sensor outputs the first signalas one of an upshift signal to perform an upshift movement in a shiftingdevice and a downshift signal to perform a downshift movement in theshifting device, and the force sensor outputs the second shift signal asthe one of the upshift signal and the downshift signal.
 12. The bicyclecontrol device according to claim 10, wherein the force sensor outputsthe first signal as one of an upshift signal to perform an upshiftmovement in a shifting device and a downshift signal to perform adownshift movement in the shifting device, and the force sensor outputsthe second shift signal as the other of the upshift signal and thedownshift signal.
 13. The bicycle control device according to claim 1,further comprising a switching member being operatively coupled to theforce sensor to switch the force sensor from a power-off state to apower-on state.
 14. The bicycle control device according to claim 13,wherein the switching member is a contact switch that is operated byphysical contact by movement of the operating member after the operatingmember reaches a switching position from the rest position along theoperating path, the force sensor is switched from the power-off state tothe power-on state while the switching member is operated.
 15. Thebicycle control device according to claim 1, further comprising anadditional operating member movably mounted relative to the base memberalong an additional operating path; and an additional force sensor beingoperated by physical contact by movement of the additional operatingmember along the additional operating path, the additional force sensorbeing configured to output at least one control signal based upon anoperation force of the additional operating member acting on theadditional force sensor.
 16. A bicycle control device comprising: aforce sensor being operated by user operating force, the force sensorbeing configured to output a first signal upon the user operation forcereaching a first prescribed force and to output a second signal upon theuser operation force reaching a second prescribed force that is greaterthan the first prescribed force.
 17. The bicycle control deviceaccording to claim 16, further comprising a base member; and anoperating member movably mounted relative to the base member along anoperating path, the force sensor being arranged to receive the useroperating force via movement of the operating member along the operatingpath.